HISTORY
At the heart of 500 Pearl is the Buffalo Christian Center, built in 1914 by Esenwein & Johnson, famed architects of the Statler, the Buffalo Museum of Science and the Temple of Music for the 1901 Pan American Exposition. It was originally constructed for the Buffalo Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the group’s defining values can still be read on the north side of the building: “Liberty, Truth.”
As the organization grew, the recreational hub became a beloved gathering place for members (including one man who would go on to become president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt). Outside, the terracotta-trimmed building was inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture; inside, it housed activities to entertain the modern Renaissance man. The first floor featured a lounge, billiard room and library, and the second floor’s lodge room is still intact today.
The club’s success lead to the building’s expansion in 1924. The addition included an ornate ballroom and auditorium for cultural and social gatherings. It also expanded the FOE’s recreational program by including a pool, bowling alley, new billiards room and gymnasium. Years later, mini golf would also find its way into the building.
The FOE remained in the building until 1952, when they relocated to the Statler Hotel. It then housed U.S. Army Reserves until 1958, when it was bought by Alan Forbes, leader of the Buffalo Christian Center. He drew on the building’s communal roots to create a safe space for at-risk youth to gather and relax. Once again, the clubhouse became a creative, recreational center for close to fifty years.
Today, the building enters its third act. Restored to its original brilliance and outfitted with modern amenities, the reimagined Buffalo Christian Center carries on its legacy as communal gathering space. The original venue will once again be home to stage productions, social events, and a new bowling alley. And the site’s latest addition—an adjacent modern tower that makes a mark on the city’s skyline—will be home to a new hotel, local businesses, restaurants and more. Now, the building will continue to serve the local community, as well as welcome guests from all over the world to enjoy Buffalo’s remarkable and individual spirit.
AMENITIES
Built in 1914 for a famed social order (that counted FDR among its members), the Aloft site has been reimagined for the twenty-first century. With historic bowling alleys and gilded theaters in its recreational roots, 500 Pearl champions social gatherings and celebrates all of life’s milestones. It is proudly located in downtown Buffalo, in the Theatre District, one block from Main Street.
GROUND FLOOR:
Spare Lanes Bowling Alley
Fitness Center & Pool
FLOOR 1:
Hotel Lobby
FLOORS 2 – 6: On-site Covered Ramp Parking
FLOOR 7 – 8: Class A Office Space
FLOOR 9: Luxury Apartments and Bi-Level Luxury Suites
FLOORS 10 – 12: Aloft Hotel by Marriott (110 Rooms)
EVENT SPACE throughout
ROOFTOP: Patrick’s Rooftop
Vice Restaurant
Re:Fuel to grab on-the-go breakfast and snacks
w xyz bar
Patrick's Rooftop Bar
Spare Lanes Bowling Alley
Fresh Catch & the Galley Lounge
HOTEL
The 10th-12th floors of 500 Pearl feature a stylish Aloft Hotel. Hotel amenities and services include Re:Fuel: Grab & Go Bites, w xyz Bar, Splash: Indoor Pool, Steam Room, Re:Charge Fitness Center and Complimentary WI-FI throughout the building. Patrick’s Rooftop and Spare Lanes are an elevator ride away to take in breathtaking city views or bowl in the boutique alley.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Aloft on October 12th and 13th at a rate of $169.00 per night, plus taxes. Rooms will be held until 09/12/2022. There is an additional $12 per night parking fee. You can contact Marriott at (716) 849-7280 and mention "American Planning Association" for the discounted rate or register by clicking below "View Rates" below.
PARKING
500 Pearl offers convenient covered parking in an onsite ramp located off of Franklin Street. Once parked, a 3 bay of elevators will take you anywhere you want to go! For hotel guests and conference attendees there is a nightly rate of $12 per vehicle with in and out privileges. If you are exclusively visiting one of the restaurants or bars in the building, hourly parking is available for $3 per hour with a daily of max of $20. There is also ample parking in adjacent lots and on nearby streets should the ramp at the hotel be full.
Aloft Buffalo Downtown | 500 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Getting Here
By Plane:
When you arrive at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, take the NY-33 (Kensington Expressway) West. Exit via Goodell Street and merge slightly left onto Pearl Street. Take a quick right on West Tupper Street. The Aloft is on the corner of West Tupper and Franklin Street. Parking can be accessed off of Franklin.
By Bus from the Airport:
Exit the airport and move to the left where the bus terminal is located. Take the NFTA 24B Downtown bus that heads southwest down Genesee Street. Get off at the Chippewa & Ellicott Streets stop (about the 56th stop on that route). Walk west on Chippewa Street and make a right on Franklin Street. The Aloft is about a 5 minute walk on Franklin Street. Access the main entrance by turning right on West Tupper Street.
By Train:
The NFTA Metro line travels from the UB South Campus down to the Keybank Center/arena. The line generally travels along/under Main Street. The closest station to Aloft is the Fountain Plaza Station. Once exiting the station, walk north on Main Street to West Tupper Street. Turn left - the main entrance to the Aloft will be on the second block on your left
By Car from the North & South:
Major highways from the north include the I-198 (Scajaquada Exwy) to the north, the NY-33 (Kensington Expressway) to the east and the I-190 to the west. Main Street, Delaware Avenue, and Genesee Street are all pretty direct routes as well. Major highways from the south include the I-190 and Route 5 (Buffalo Skyway). William Street, Clinton Avenue and South Park Avenue are all pretty direct routes as well.